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All research which Waterwise undertakes is meant to support our aims and objectives. Some of the work that we do is done within our team, but we also work closely on many projects with water companies, government departments, consultancy and research firms, other non-governmental organisations, academia, industry, and other groups.
We hope that our research informs, influences, and inspires. Please contact us with any questions or comments.
Our research is divided into three categories:
- internal research support
- research for publication
- consultancy work.
Internal research support is what we do on a day-to-day basis. Any Waterwise facts and figures that go into our press releases or are featured in the media are backed up with research work. Similarly, any claims we make in our brochures, factsheets, or on our website are drawn from trustworthy sources – often directly from our own original research. We also deal with numerous requests for information from the media, the public, and from other bodies and we aim to be a reliable and trustworthy source of information on water supply and water efficiency.
Research for publication is focused work that we do over a longer time period with the aim of answering a specific question or of exploring an idea in-depth. This sort of research typically includes extensive desk study and occasionally some field work. We often approach stakeholders for interviews and comments, and many times we actively work with project partners to develop further the briefing or report. Results are published as a report or briefing.
Consultancy work is research that we undertake for another body such as a government department. Though we conduct the research and produce the report, the publication typically becomes the property of the body for which we are doing the work, which is why you will not find all of our research on our website. An international review of water efficiency labelling schemes and a review of water restrictions in times of drought are two examples of recent Waterwise consultancy work.
The Waterwise team has extensive technical knowledge of and practice in water efficiency, conservation, and supply. We can advise on water efficiency in new build and old, and we are particularly experienced in water efficiency retrofit projects (we are presently involved in over 17 such projects – all involving over 500 homes).
We are also experienced in rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, embedded/virtual water, water footprints, the link between water and energy, soft measures for water conservation, metering, water and climate change, infrastructure for water supply and sewage, hydrology, droughts and floods, and other related water issues. We can also advise on water in agriculture and industry.
We also work closely with manufacturers of water using products to help develop water efficient technologies like aerated showerheads or ultra low flush toilets, which we then promote via our Waterwise Marque, our website, and through a continuous working relationship with the manufacturer. We also advise retailers on water efficient products.
Waterwise are also heavily involved in policy development related to water demand management.
Waterwise has many interests related to water supply, water consumption, water efficiency, and water conservation:
• The costs/benefits of demand management as opposed to supply-side measures such as reservoirs and desalinisation plants
• The economic, social, and environmental benefits of water efficiency
• Water efficiency and conservation activities happening in other nations around the world, particularly projects related to public education and/or retrofitting
• Water efficient technologies such as aerated showerheads, ultra low flush toilets, shower timers, etc.
• The links between water and energy, and water and waste
• Water and climate change (adaptation, mitigation, predictions, etc.)
• Embedded/virtual water and water footprints
• Metering and its relationship to demand management
• Desalinisation technologies
• Costs/benefits of reservoirs
• Water efficiency labelling schemes and product rankings
• The sociology, psychology, and anthropology of water use
The list could go on. In summary, Waterwise are interested in all things which will help us help the UK to value water and to use it wisely.
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